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This month, we are proud to highlight AIR Michelle Grant-Murray, an accomplished choreographer, educator, and artistic leader. As the Artistic Director of Olujimi Dance Theatre, Michelle brings decades of experience shaped by a rich academic foundation, including a BS in Dance Education and an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University, as well as an MA in African Studies from Florida International University. Her work has been presented across Europe, Asia, South America, the United States, and the Caribbean.
She currently serves as an Associate Professor Sr. and Coordinator of Dance at Miami Dade College and is the Artistic Director of the Jubilation Dance Ensemble. Michelle is also the founder and host of The Black Artist Talk, Founder and Executive Director of the Artistry In Rhythm (A.I.R.) Dance Conference, Co-Founder of the Florida Black Dance Artists Organization, and author of Beyond the Surface: An Inclusive American Dance History. A Knights Arts Champion and multi-recipient of the Miami Individual Artists Award, she also serves as an Artist in Residence and Programming Partner at the Deering Estate.
Michelle’s current research explores the performative intersections of eco-feminism, ecology, and the sustainability of the Black female body. Most recently, she produced, directed, and curated the upcoming A.I.R. Dance Conference 2026: The Blueprint: Make + Create + Innovate, taking place at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus in the Martin & Pat Fine Center for the Arts on March 13 & 14 at 7:30 PM. For ticket information, please contact mgrantmu@mdc.edu.
About the Artist-in-Residence Program
The Deering Estate is proud to house 17 brilliant Artists-in-Residence for the 2026 season. Each artist interprets the historical, architectural, intellectual, archeological, and natural elements of the Deering Estate in their own artistic practice, while pursuing innovative projects, studio work, connecting with other artists, and engaging the public.
Each artist has a unique artistic practice, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, photography, cinematography, performance arts and the literary arts.
About the Deering Estate
Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami-Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.
Cultural Arts Programming at the Deering Estate is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc.
About the Deering Estate Foundation
For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, The Deering Estate Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering’s cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate.
